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Newcastillians be warned, the South African Police Service is taking the lockdown regulations seriously. If you do not abide by the rules set forward, you can face criminal charges, alongside imprisonment or a hefty fine.
Newcastle SAPS Corporate Communications and Liaison Officer, Lizzy Arumugam, points out, police officers in the Amajuba District arrested 25 people for not complying with the COVID-19 Regulations. These arrests taking place over just two days, from 8 January 2021 to 10 January 2021.
People were arrested for the following:
- 7 people arrested for being in a public space without wearing a face mask
- 14 arrested for failing to be confined to their place of residence during the curfew hours.
- 1 person was arrested for transporting liquor.
- 3 people were arrested for the sale, dispensing or distribution of liquor.
Adding to the list of arrests, an intelligence-driven operation conducted by various SAPS members, saw 13 Osizweni residents taken into police custody for contravening the Disaster Management Act of 2020. These violations include not abiding by the nationwide curfew and selling liquor.
The trade of alcoholic beverages is not allowed under the current regulations and is a contentious topic for many.
As the police enforce the lockdown regulations on Newcastillians, one cannot deny the necessity thereof—especially with the pandemic wreaking havoc in our community.
It is essential to highlight, that according to the Disaster Management Act, a person convicted of disregarding the regulations, is liable for conviction and imprisonment not exceeding six months. Thus, is not wearing your mask and having a drink worth spending up to 6 months behind bars in a South African prison?
What are your thoughts on the police now enforcing the regulations implemented by the Government?
Share your views with us in the comment section below.
